1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane: Substance Context, Structure, and Use

What is 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane?

1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane draws attention for its unique position in the world of halogenated hydrocarbons. Sitting between simplicity and reactivity, this colorless liquid has gained a role in laboratories and industrial applications. The molecular formula, C2H4BrCl, signals its makeup: two carbons joined by single bonds, with bromine at one end and chlorine at the other. Chemists see this molecule as a straightforward example of multiple halogens attached to a short alkane backbone, creating a compound with distinct chemical and physical properties. Historically, its dual halogen groups shape how it interacts with other substances during synthesis.

Physical Form and Molecular Structure

On the lab bench, 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane arrives as a clear, slightly viscous liquid at standard temperature and pressure. The lack of color should not lead anyone to underestimate its presence or potential hazards. It has a molar mass of about 143.41 g/mol. Unlike some compounds that jump between forms like powder, flakes, solid, or pearls, this one sticks to its liquid phase under normal conditions. Its structure follows a straightforward linear path: a two-carbon chain where each carbon is bound to hydrogens and one bears a bromine, with the adjacent holding a chlorine. This arrangement offers a foundation for organic transformations in a host of synthesis pathways, often as a useful intermediate. On rare occasions, the liquid can solidify if temperatures drop far enough, offering a crystalline phase, but storage rarely falls to these extremes.

Key Properties and Specifications

A closer study uncovers a substance with a density of around 1.52 g/cm³ at 20°C, higher than water thanks to its heavy halogen content. The boiling point lands near 108°C, a value practical for many reactions that require controlled heating. Solubility in water runs low—typical of halogenated ethanes—meaning spills will tend to float rather than blend into the local water supply. Its vapor has a faint, sweet odor, though inhaling it bears risk, typical of volatile halogenated organics. The substance is stable at room temperatures, but care must be taken to avoid strong bases and open flames, as it holds the potential to decompose into more hazardous byproducts.

Material Safety, Hazards, and HS Code

Handling 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane prompts attention to safety. Contact can irritate skin, respiratory system, and eyes, and long-term exposure carries risks not yet entirely mapped, given the behavior of similar compounds. Inhalation, even at low concentrations, can cause dizziness or headache, and higher exposures increase the danger of harmful effects on organs. Its volatile nature means good ventilation is non-negotiable during use. Correct gloves—nitrile works well—limit skin exposure, while goggles protect the face. The HS Code commonly used for customs and regulatory compliance falls under 2903.39, which covers haloalkanes and haloalkenes. Disposal requires care; local regulations often ban pouring it down the drain to prevent entry into waterways.

Industrial and Laboratory Use: Raw Material

Lab technicians and chemical manufacturers look to 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane as a reliable raw material for organic synthesis. Its haloalkane structure makes it a launching point for nucleophilic substitution reactions, where the bromine or chlorine might be swapped for other functional groups. Researchers sometimes use it to build larger, more complex molecules—particularly pharmaceuticals or materials science intermediates. Analysts who track purity value thorough documentation: impurities can include traces of hydrogen halides, and routine testing with gas chromatography helps keep material up to specifications. Despite its promise, it never belongs in wide, open applications like consumer products, both due to toxicity and environmental persistence. In regulated hands, with safety procedures in place, the molecule serves well—highlighting the fine line chemistry walks between innovation and risk.